Research suggests thrombolysis is effective for acute ischaemic stroke

New Canadian research suggests that thrombolysis is a safe and effective treatment for acute ischaemic stroke (CMAJ 2005;172: 1307-12).

Researchers assessed the safety and effectiveness of tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase, t-PA) as a routine treatment for acute stroke at 60 centres across Canada.

In Canada, alteplase treatment for stroke was conditionally licensed in 1999. As a condition of approval, a prospective registry to monitor safety was mandated by the federal government. The Canadian alteplase for stroke effectiveness study (CASES) was launched to collect data on outcomes for all patients treated with alteplase in Canada.

An occupational therapist helps a stroke patient improve his coordination. More than a third …